The Comprehensive Cancer Center at Pardee has been honored with the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons.

Established in 2004, the CoC Outstanding Achievement Award is designed to recognize cancer programs that strive for excellence in providing quality care to cancer patients. A facility receives the OAA following an on-site evaluation by a physician surveyor during which the facility demonstrates a Commendation level of compliance with seven standards that represent the full scope of the cancer program and also receives a compliance rating for the remaining 29 standards.

"Speaking for all of the individuals involved with the Comprehensive Cancer Program at Pardee, we are excited to learn of our facility receiving the Commission on Cancer's Outstanding Achievement Award for excellence in cancer services," said Thomas Eisenhauer, M.D., F.A.C.S., Chairman of the Cancer Committee at the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Pardee. "This recognition cannot be obtained by one or two people, but is only attainable when a large number of providers consistently work together to deliver oncology services to our patients. We know the care that we provide is the best available. Our patients continually express gratitude for the exceptional care that they receive. And now our community, through this prestigious award, will realize the outstanding cancer services available through Pardee."

Established in 1922 by the American College of Surgeons, the CoC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education and the monitoring of comprehensive, quality care. Its membership includes Fellows of the American College of Surgeons and 42 national organizations that reflect the full spectrum of cancer care.

The Accreditation Program, a component of the CoC, sets quality-of-care standards for cancer programs and reviews the programs to ensure they conform to those standards. Accreditation by the CoC is given only to those facilities that have voluntarily committed to providing the highest level of quality cancer care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance. To maintain accreditation, facilities with CoC-accredited cancer programs must undergo an on-site review every three years.

The Comprehensive Cancer Center at Pardee offers a full range of advanced treatment and diagnostic services performed by highly qualified cancer specialists. Services include surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, advanced radiology and laboratory diagnostic support and clinical treatment trials. Community education programs, cancer screenings, support groups and holistic patient and family support are also available.